The safety of drinking conditioned water depends entirely on what type of conditioning the water has undergone. The term "conditioned water" is broad and encompasses various treatments.
Understanding Water Conditioning
Water conditioning generally refers to processes that alter the water's properties, such as hardness, pH, or the presence of chlorine. Different methods achieve different results, impacting drinkability.
Softened Water
Many sources state that softened water is generally safe to drink. The softening process removes minerals like calcium and magnesium, making it less "hard." While some worry about increased sodium levels due to ion exchange, this concern is generally unwarranted for healthy individuals. American Water and Harvey Water Softeners confirm this.
However, excessive sodium intake can be a concern for individuals with specific health conditions, such as high blood pressure. Mayo Clinic Connect notes this.
Water Treated with Conditioners for Fish Tanks
Conversely, water conditioners designed for aquariums are not safe for human consumption. These products often contain chemicals like sodium thiosulfate, which neutralizes chlorine for fish but are unsuitable for humans. r/bettafish highlights this danger.
Other Conditioning Methods
Other water conditioning methods exist, each with its own safety implications. Without specific details on the type of conditioning, a definitive answer is impossible. For example, reverse osmosis filtration can produce safe drinking water, while water from an air conditioner is explicitly unsafe for consumption. Quora confirms that air conditioner condensate is not potable.
Conclusion
Always ascertain the specific treatment method used before determining if "conditioned water" is safe for consumption. While softened water is typically safe, other conditioning processes may introduce harmful substances.
